Is it safe to go to Peru? (updated 2025)

peruthe third largest country in South America, and Before the pandemic, there were more than four million visitors every year,

whether to visit Machu PicchuBe it the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, or the vibrant capital of Lima and its blossoming food scene, Peru lives up to the hype. I really liked coming here. It was everything I thought it would be!

However, I also often hear and read about tourists being robbed or having their things stolen. I receive emails from travelers concerned about whether it is safe to travel to Peru due to the recent political unrest.

Today I want to answer their questions:

Is it safe to travel to Peru? What do you need to take care of? What precautions do you need to take?

In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know for a safe trip to Peru.

11 Safety Tips for Peru

In general, Peru is a safe place to visit. You’re not going to be kidnapped or murdered there, so don’t worry about any violent crimes as a traveler. But in Peru you need to be a little more cautious than in other destinations because there is a lot petty Crime.

Here are some tips to help you plan and prepare for a safe trip to Peru:

1. Avoid displaying any expensive items – Keep your jewelry out of sight (or even leave it at home). Don’t show off valuable items. Be especially cautious when taking your phone out, as phone theft is rampant (More than 4,000 phones are reported stolen every dayDon’t even wear AirPods on the street. In short: always keep an eye on your belongings. Reducing that target on your back that says, “I’m carrying a lot of valuable stuff” is very important.

This is especially true in major cities such as Lima and Cuzco where petty theft is more common. If you’re out during the day and you see people with phones, etc., it’s probably safe, but if you’re alone, be careful. Thieves will come on a scooter and take away the goods from your hand.

2. Beware of thieves or robbers working in pairs or small groups – Tricks to distract you (for example, someone “accidentally” bumping into you, or a group of kids playing or fighting near you) are often used to distract you when you’re not paying attention to your stuff. Some friend may rob you. Don’t get caught up in distractions and be careful.

3. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times – In crowded places or on public transport, be aware that thieves may actually be looking to pick your pockets or your bag. Keep some small bills in a separate pocket, so that you don’t have to display your entire wallet or purse when you’re paying for things.

4. Keep your valuables separate – When you’re away for the day, leave some credit cards and cash locked in your accommodation. This way, if you lose your wallet, you’ll still have cash and cards back at the hostel. In general, it is a good idea to carry a photocopy of your passport with you and lock your passport in your hostel locker. Keep digital copies of your passport in your email inbox too.

5. Download Prey App to your phone and laptop – If any device gets stolen, you will be able to track it and remotely trigger your camera to take a picture of the thief (you can also erase data and send a message to the thief). It costs just $1.10/month.

6. Avoid traveling alone at night – There have been incidents of people being robbed while leaving taxis at night in cities, and in some areas, such as Tingo María, northwest of Lima, at the entrance to the Tingo María National Park, there has been bandit activity after dark. There have been repeated reports. , Try traveling with friends or other travelers at night as there is safety in numbers.

And this is especially true at night in cities. In some areas of Lima, like Miraflores and Barranco, there are a lot of people out at night, so it’s less of a problem, but these are also two of the nicest and most touristy areas of Lima, so it’s a hot spot for thieves. .

7. Choose a reputable bus operator – Sometimes the cheapest option is not the best. Some of the cheapest bus companies have the most careless drivers and a lot of breakdowns, and since Peru has one of the world’s worst traffic accident rates, you’re usually safer using a slightly more expensive bus company. Some of the most reputable bus operators include Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Siwa and Móvil Tours. Additionally, consider PeruHop, a hop on/hop off bus tour operator serving tours (and sometimes locals) that is very safe, uses reliable drivers, and has no theft issues. Not there.

8. Do not use drugs – Since there is a lot of cocaine production in Peru, tourists (especially young backpackers) consume a lot of it here. However, it is not worth the risk, because if the authorities even suspect you of using drugs, you can be detained for up to 15 days. Buying drugs here promotes organized crime, so be smart and skip the drugs.

9. Learn some Spanish – Being able to speak some basic Spanish will help you in many situations, but if you get into trouble and need help, you will really appreciate it. Get started with an app like Duolingo Master some basic vocabularyThe Google Translate app is also an essential app (download Spanish to your phone so you can translate offline).

10. buy travel insurance – Things can go wrong on the road. That’s why I never go anywhere without travel insurance. From theft to injuries to flight delays, travel insurance is there to ensure you don’t go broke. It’s only a few bucks (often less) per day and provides peace of mind. Don’t travel here without it!

I recommend safetywing Whereas, for passengers below 70 years of age insure my trip Best option for travelers above 70 years of age.

You can use this widget to get a quote for SafetyWing:

For more information about travel insurance, check out these posts:

With these travel tips, you’ll be safe when traveling or backpacking around Peru! Additionally, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.

Is Machu Picchu safe?

Machu Picchu is such a common tourist destination that you will be safer here than in any other part of Peru. Chances are you will be hiking with a group Or in a crowd, so pickpockets and other petty thieves aren’t likely to be around. It is more important to be cautious in cities like Lima or Cuzco.

The issue of security is more important if you are Hiking to Machu Picchu Have to take care of your health. Make sure you have plenty of water, and use sunscreen and a hat to deal with the heat. If you are not used to altitude, altitude sickness can be a problem; If you start feeling sick you need to take it seriously. Avoid this by staying in Cusco for at least a few days before visiting Machu Picchu.

Finally, if you use a guide who is recommended while hiking, make sure they are a licensed operator, as you sometimes hear about unlicensed guides who will let you down. Take the wrong route and keep the payment for your hiking permit.

Is it safe to travel alone in Peru?

Solo travel is quite common in Peru, and you’ll often find plenty of other solo backpackers to spend time with, so it’s unlikely you’ll be that lonely.

It is safe to simply travel in a group and go out anywhere after dark, but in general, traveling alone in Peru is no more dangerous than traveling with friends or a partner.

Just remember to avoid standing out and looking like a tourist. Don’t wear fancy clothes, don’t wave your expensive gadgets around, and if you get lost, don’t stand there looking at the map. Basically, avoid sticking out like a sore thumb, and you’ll reduce the chances of a petty thief deciding that you’re their next victim.

Is it safe to travel to Peru with children?

Overall, it is not particularly unsafe to take your children to Peru. Family and children are very important in Peruvian culture, so you and your children will be very welcome.

However, be especially careful with young children, as they are more likely to get sick from unfiltered water, for example. It is also not recommended to take children under three years of age to high altitude sites like Machu Picchu.

Is Peru safe for female travelers?

it It is unsafe to be a solo female traveler In Peru, however, you may be subject to some unwanted attention, mostly in the form of nonsense. Local women in Peru rarely go to bars without men, so if you’re in a women-only group at a bar, you may get some extra attention. But there are a lot of solo female travelers in the country so you’ll meet other people to hang out with. Peru doesn’t need to take more precautions than anywhere else.

Can you drink tap water in Peru?

No, do not drink tap water in Peru (although it is okay to brush your teeth with it). use the lifestrawWhich not only ensures that your water is always safe to drink as its bottle has a built-in water filter, but it also helps you avoid single-use plastic.

Are taxis safe in Peru?

Taxis are relatively safe, but make sure you only use authorized taxis and that you know the rate in advance. If you need a taxi, call a taxi for yourself from your hostel or hotel and find out in advance what the rate is. Make sure you agree the fare with the driver in advance, as taxis don’t use meters so it’s easy to get overcharged if you don’t pay attention. That said, Uber is now everywhere in the country and if you don’t want to hail a random taxi you can just call an Uber.

peru With a rich culture, welcoming people, beautiful landscapes and fascinating historical sites, it’s a wonderful destination no matter what your interests are.

However, you need to be cautious about your personal safety. The most common problems travelers face are petty theft and pickpocketing, but by using a little extra vigilance and common sense, you can reduce your risks. Be sure to ensure that you are not carrying valuables in the obvious way and do not have large amounts of cash in one place.

Peru is a relatively safe country to visit, so don’t be put off by the stories. The amazing attractions will definitely make your trip worthwhile! Peru is an amazing place and with some common sense you won’t have any problems! I didn’t.